Getting Voices Heard With The Youth Policy Development Group
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Shout Out UK (SOUK) is a multi-award winning creative social enterprise on a mission to defend and amplify democracy. They ensure all citizens understand how their government functions through political literacy, are inoculated from disinformation and misinformation through media literacy, and are given a chance to have a say in how their country is run.
This year, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have given Shout Out UK another six-month extension of funding for running the Youth Policy Development Group (YPDG).
The YDPG was founded on the belief that more young people’s views need to be represented at the highest levels of government. The programme connects government ministers and young people in matters of policy making.
As part of the programme, each month YPDG members devise extensive policy briefs in specific topic areas. This means that they look at current policy issues within government departments and ministries. The YPDG members will then present their youth-focused recommendations to government ministers on these specific policy issues via a monthly roundtable.
Previous roundtable discussions have included:
- Engaging young people in sport with DCMS
- Gene modification with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Constructing youth centres with the Youth Investment Fund
- Youth engagement activities with government, with the DCMS
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child with the Department for Education
- Improving youth COVID vaccination with the Department for Education
After each roundtable discussion, members receive feedback in individual sessions, getting the chance to develop their leadership and presentation skills. YPDG members are guided and upskilled via monthly training sessions organised by Shout Out UK, providing the group with the necessary skills to debate, create and present policy briefs to real-world policy-makers.
Through the extension the YPDG has expanded, reaching a total of 40 members! Below are some of the new and returning members, check out why they joined the YPDG and what they love about it.
“Being a member of the YPDG has allowed me to see youth voice as a real asset, as well as providing an experience that makes me feel closer to the workings of the government than ever.”
- Siyona Joshi, she/her, 16, returning member
“I’m currently on a gap year but I have deferred a place to study History and International Relations at King’s College London next year. I have previously served as the Member of Youth Parliament for Dorset, where I worked on campaigns such as Period Poverty and improving opportunities for young people to be involved in local politics. I have given a TED talk on youth engagement with politics and am very passionate about involving young people from all backgrounds in decision making”
- Laurence Hayward, he/him, 19, returning member
“Having been part of the ICS programme and worked on the NCS programme, I am passionate about recognising the diversity and value of the voices and experiences held within the UK and empowering their impact in local and international affairs. Going forwards, I would like to work in the policy influence sphere, researching social issues which are of significance to individuals and communities and may also have a wider national security or political impact. I believe that the unification of different voices and life experiences is one of the cornerstones of successful governance. YPDG allows us all to do that.”
- Chloe Squires, she/her, 25, new member
“The YPDG provides a unique opportunity to delve into the world of policymaking and work with like-minded individuals to influence future legislation. As a member, I hope to get more young people from different backgrounds involved in the decision making process through education and advocacy.”
- Ashwin Sridhar, he/him, 17, new member
“I first became an activist nearly five years ago when I started taking climate action in my school, and since then I’ve not stopped trying to make a difference - for example I’m a member of the Youth Steering Group for the Fair Education Alliance. When I'm not doing this sort of thing, I love dancing, watching football and obsessing over books and TV shows. I can't wait to get started with the YPDG not only so that I can make a direct impact on the world around me but also because I'm sure I'll learn loads and meet an inspiring bunch of like-minded young people!”
- Esther Bird, she/her, 16, new member